At this price point Vista Home basic seems the norm. But at this price point a low spec processor and minimum RAM also seems the norm. Are these machines really up to running Vista?

I noticed somewhere (dell?) that they were offering to supply XP.... but at an additional cost to what Vista would have been!

Regarding Linux.....

My dad has very little computer experience. He's quite technically minded, but MOre in a hands on, rather than software way.

I can just about find my way around Windows so would have thought it best to stick with that to show him the basics.

Is a linux based system really at the point where a complete novice could use it?

Mac mini was suggested by a friend. He said coming at it with no/very little previous OS familiarity to influence things, a mac would be easy to get to grips with.

However, no screen, MOuse 'board etc...

Also I think the appeal of a laptop is to be able to just shut the screen down and slide it under the table. Also will be portable should his interest take off and maybe be able to use it for work.